Hormonal Imbalances: What causes them, How to know if you have Them & Natural Tips to Supporting Our Hormones

In a world filled with scented perfumes, air fresheners, candles, skincare products, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, lotions, serums, scrubs, makeup, chapstick, soap, laundry detergents, and cleaning products, it’s no surprise that so many men and women are facing hormonal issues like PCOS, endometriosis, fertility problems, thyroid imbalances, and adrenal fatigue (burnout, fight/flight response).

Unless you're someone who carefully checks the ingredients in your home and personal products, it’s likely that many of the items you use contain toxic chemicals. These ingredients can negatively impact your health, particularly affecting your endocrine system and contributing to various hormonal imbalances.

The endocrine system is a network of glands in your body that produce and release hormones. These hormones act as messengers, traveling through your bloodstream to regulate various functions like growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction.

Key glands in the endocrine system include the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries (in women), and pancreas. When this system is out of balance, it leads to issues like hormonal imbalances, affecting different parts of your body.

What Is The Endocrine System?

General Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances

  • Irregular periods or missed periods

  • Unexplained weight gain or loss

  • Mood swings

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Fatigue

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Acne, hair thinning, or excessive hair growth

  • Infertility or trouble conceiving

  • Digestive issues (bloating, constipation, etc.)

  • Decreased libido

Examples of Hormonal Conditions & Endocrine Disorders

  1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

  2. Thyroid Disorders

  3. Endometriosis

  4. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

  5. Adrenal Fatigue

  6. Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (Missed Periods)

  7. Estrogen Dominance

  8. Perimenopause

  1. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

  2. Graves' Disease

  3. Type 1 Diabetes

  4. Addison's Disease

  5. Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome (PGA)

**While some of these diseases or conditions cannot be truly cured, many can be maintained through non-toxic diet and lifestyle.

How to Support Your Hormones

the non-toxic way

  • Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods is crucial for hormone health. Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats (like avocados and nuts), and complex carbohydrates (like whole grains). This can help balance blood sugar and prevent hormone disruptions.

  • Physical activity helps to regulate hormone levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce stress. Aim for a mix of cardio, strength training, and yoga or stretching. Exercise also supports adrenal health, helping to combat stress and fatigue.

  • Chronic stress can lead to imbalances in cortisol, a stress hormone. Try mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to manage stress levels. Adequate sleep and relaxation are also important for hormonal balance.

  • Sleep is essential for hormonal regulation. Poor sleep or inconsistent sleep patterns can affect hormones like cortisol, melatonin, and insulin. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night

  • Drinking plenty of water helps your body eliminate toxins and supports healthy metabolic processes, which can in turn support hormonal health.

  • Avoid exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in some plastics, cleaning products, personal care items, and pesticides. Choose natural, organic products whenever possible and avoid plastic containers for food storage

  • The liver plays a key role in detoxifying hormones, especially estrogen. Eating foods like cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), garlic, and beets can support liver function and help balance hormones

  • Magnesium helps regulate cortisol, supports thyroid function, and promotes relaxation. It can also help reduce symptoms of PMS and improve sleep quality.

    Best type for endocrine support is Magnesium Glycinate, but remember magnesium helps activate vitamin D, and vitamin D helps magnesium work better. To keep both working well, it’s important to make sure you have enough of both in your diet.

  • Vitamin D plays a role in the production of estrogen and progesterone. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with hormonal imbalances, particularly in conditions like PCOS. Sun exposure or supplementation can help restore levels, but remember magnesium helps activate vitamin D, and vitamin D helps magnesium work better. To keep both working well, it’s important to make sure you have enough of both in your diet.

  • This adaptogenic herb helps reduce stress and regulate cortisol levels. It is especially beneficial for managing adrenal fatigue and balancing stress hormones.

    If you start this supplement, its best to take it i cycles of on for 2 months, then off for 1 mont, etc.

    Why? The goal of ashwagandha is to help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. Over time, your body may get used to it, which could reduce its effectiveness. By taking breaks, you’ll help prevent this adaptation and keep the herb working as intended.

  • Found in fish oil and flaxseed, omega-3s help reduce inflammation and support the balance of hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. They are also beneficial for reducing symptoms of conditions like PCOS, ADHD, lowers blood pressure, improves skin health as well as joint mobility.

    If purchasing, make sure the oil is high quality - look for wild caught, north atlantic/deep pacific regions and make sure theres no added flavors or other oils, fillers, etc.

  • Chaste Tree Berry or Vitex is commonly used to support women’s hormone health, especially in balancing progesterone levels. It can help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate PMS symptoms.

  • B Vitamins, especially B6, play a role in hormone production and help manage symptoms of PMS, mood swings, and fatigue. They also support adrenal health and stress response, which is essential if you want healthy adrenals and cortisol levels.

  • Maca is an adaptogenic herb known for its ability to balance hormones, especially in cases of menopause, low libido, or menstrual irregularities. It may help improve energy levels and mood when taken consistenly.

  • A healthy gut is essential for hormone balance, as gut health influences estrogen metabolism. Probiotics support the digestive system, which can help regulate hormones and reduce inflammation.

    Probiotics are available through whole foods like saurkraut, kimchi, or other fermented foods or you can supplement with a high-quality product. Price isn’t always as important, I like to focus on the CFU’s and strains included. Always read the ingredients and make sure the fillers wont cause more damage to the gut by including it in your wellness plan.

  • Supports thyroid health and function, which is essential for maintaining proper metabolic and hormonal balance. It's found in foods like seaweed, fish, dairy and eggs.

    Make sure to check dosage amount if supplementing as too much could cause harm to thyroids.

Before taking any supplement, the CWC team recommends talking with trusted healthcare professional or conducting blood work to ensure proper supplementation for each individual.

As you review the toxins and chemicals below, try not to focus too much on thinking everything you use is toxic. Instead, consider that the widespread use of chemicals in products may be contributing to our ongoing health issues, many of which western taught doctors can't always explain due to lack of knowledge in toxins and chemicals.

So, if you're experiencing hormonal issues or just don't feel as good as you could but aren't sure why, making small swaps to your everyday products could have a huge positive impact on your health in a very short time. By becoming aware of the ingredients in the products we use, we can make more informed choices that support our health rather than harm it.

What Toxic Ingredients To Avoid in Our Everyday Products: I broke these out into products to help view and digest the content, but its important to note that most of these ingredients are in all of the products, no matter what their use is.

Ingredients That Impact Our Health

Skincare Products: Cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, exfoliators, sunscreens, face masks, eye creams, acne treatments, face oils

    • Effect: Mimic estrogen, disrupt hormonal balance

    • How to Avoid: paraben-free labels; Vitamin E, Rosemary Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hops Extract, Elderflower Extract, Neem Oil

    • Labeled As: : Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Benzylparaben

    • Effect: Mimic hormones, cause skin irritation, disrupt endocrine function

    • How to Avoid: Look for “fragrance-free” or “naturally scented” products. Instead use essential oils, plant extracts, floral waters, herbal infusions, citrus oils, vanilla extract, sandalwood oil, lavender oil, rose oil, jasmine oil

    • Labeled As: : Linalool, Limonene, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Eugenol, Coumarin, Geraniol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Isoeugenol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial), Methyl 2-Octynoate, Cinnamal, Anisyl Alcohol, Amyl Cinnamalv

    • Effect: May affect reproductive hormone regulation

    • How to Avoid: Opt for natural alternatives like Bakuchiol, Rosehip oil, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), Peptides, Sea buckthorn oil, Carrot seed oil

    • Labeled As: Vitamin A1, Retinoid, Retin-A, Tretinoin, Retinaldehyde, Retinal, Retinoic Acid, Pro-retinol, Retinyl acetate, Retinyl palmitat, Isotretinoin, Adapalene, Alitretinoin

    • Effect: Disrupts hormonal function and accumulates in the body, causing minor to severe cognitive and neurological issues

    • How to Avoid: Look for “formaldehyde-free” labels; Alts for skincare are activated charcoal, zeolite, clay (bentonite, kaolin), chlorella, cilantro, spirulina, pectin, ppple cider vinegar, Diatomaceous earth, Milk thistle

    • Labeled As: Lead (Pb, Lead acetate), Mercury (Hg, Mercurous chloride, Thimerosal), Arsenic (As, Arsenic trioxide), Cadmium (Cd, Cadmium sulfate, Cadmium chloride), Nickel (Ni, Nickel sulfate, Nickel chloride), Thallium (Tl, Thallium sulfate), Beryllium (Be, Beryllium sulfate), Copper (Cu, Copper sulfate, Copper peptides), Zinc (Zn, Zinc oxide)

    • Effect: Mimics estrogen, disrupts thyroid hormones

    • How to Avoid: Choose mineral-based sunscreens like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

    • Labeled As: Benzophenone-3, BP-3, Oxybenzone, 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, UV-3, Benzophenone-3 (BP-3)

  • Effect: Causes skin irritation, and irritates people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Contributes to allergic reactions/contact dermatitis. In rare cases, prolonged exposure to high concentrations may cause adverse effects on the liver and kidneys

    How to Avoid: Opt for products that use natural humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid instead. Look for "propyl glycol-free" or "chemical-free" products, particularly if you have sensitive skin or allergies.

    Labeled As: Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Propanediol, Propylene Glycol Alginate

    • Effect: known to be a skin sensitizer, aka causes allergic reactions or irritation, especially in sensitive individuals. Linked to cases of contactdermatitis and prolonged exposure can lead to more severe skin reactions. The chemical is also associated with neurotoxicity and is starting to be limited in use by companies due to its toxicity.

    • How to Avoid: Commonly found in products that contain parabens so opt for products with natural preservatives or gentle ingredients like vitamin E or grapefruit seed extract.

    • Labaled As: Methylisothiazolinone, MI, 2-Methyl-4-Isothiazolin-3-One

Personal Care Products: Shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, body washes, toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving creams, hand soaps, lotions, hair sprays

  • Effects: Mimics estrogen, disrupts hormone systemsInfertility, obesity, diabetes, breast/prostate cancer

    How To Avoid: Opt for BPA-free products, glass packaging, bamboo, stainless steel, silicone,

    Labeled As: Bisphenol S (BPS), Bisphenol F (BPF), Bisphenol AF (BPAF) Bisphenol A, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol, Bisphenol-A, BPA-90, BPA-99 (used in some industrial formulations)

    • Effects: Disrupts thyroid hormone, mimics estrogen and androgen, hormonal imbalances, skin irritation, antibiotic resistance

    • How To Avoid: Use natural antibacterial ingredients like tea tree or eucalyptus oil, opt for soap and water over antibacterial soaps, select non-toxic cleaners like vinegar and baking soda, and check labels for triclosan-free or antibacterial-free.

    • Labeled As: Triclosan, 2,4,4'-Trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether, Irgasan DP 300, Microban, TCS, Triclosan-2

    • Effects: Irritates skin and disrupts hormone absorption

    • How To Avoid: Use DIY natural cleaning solutions like baking soda or vinegar for cleaning. Stick to gentle, non-foaming cleansers that are less likely to contain sulfates

    • Labeled As: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Lauryl Sulfate, Dodecyl Sodium Sulfate, SLS

  • Effects: Mimics estrogen, affects hormone receptorsBreast cancer, Alzheimer's disease

    How To Avoid: Look for natural deodorants that use baking soda, arrowroot powder, or cornstarch. Choose mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead of chemical sunscreens that contain aluminum. Avoid antacids or vaccines that contain aluminum salts, and look for alternatives when possible.

    Labeled As: Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Aluminum Zirconium, Aluminum Chloride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Aluminum Sulfate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate

    Check out my heavy metals cheat sheet here for more info

  • Effects: Mimics estrogen, disrupts hormone balanceSkin irritation, potential links to thyroid issues, hormone disruption

    How To Avoid: Use mineral-based sunscreens, look for "octinoxate-free" products

    Labeled As: Octinoxate, Octyl methoxycinnamate

Household Cleaning Products: All-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, disinfectant wipes, floor cleaners, bathroom cleaners, dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, toilet bowl cleaners, carpet cleaners, fabric softeners

  • Effects: Respiratory irritation and endocrine disruption with long-term exposure

    How to Avoid: Use natural cleaners or ones labeled "ammonia-free"; alternatives include Vinegar, Baking Soda, Lemon Juice, Castile Soap, Hydrogen Peroxide, Essential Oils, Microfiber Cloths, Cornstarch, Commercial Green Cleaners

    Labeled As: Ammonium Hydroxide, Aqua Ammonia, Ethylamine, Methylamine, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Carbonate, or Ammonia Solution

  • Effect: skin irritation, respiratory issues, eye irritation, toxicity, and a environmental impact

    How To Avoid: Use natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide. If using bleach, ensure good ventilation and protective wear

    Labeled As: Sodium Hypochlorite, Bleach, Chlorine Bleach, Household Bleach, Liquid Bleach, Sodium Salt of Hypochlorous Acid

  • Effects: Skin dryness, irritation, or cracking with prolonged use, Eye irritation, inhalation causes dizziness, headaches, and respiratory irritation. Toxic if ingested in large amounts.

    How to Avoid: Choose "alcohol-free" for skin care or personal care, use natural disinfectants like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide instead of isopropanol. Be cautious of products like rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizers, or cleaners with high concentrations.

    Labeled As: Isopropanol, Isopropyl alcohol, Rubbing alcohol.

  • Effects: Skin irritation or sensitivity, especially with prolonged use, eye irritation, and in high concentrations causes mild toxicity to the liver or kidneys.

    How to Avoid: opt for natural or organic skincare brands with non-toxic preservatives. Avoid overuse of products containing this ingredient.

    Labeled As: Hexoxyethanol, 2-Butoxyethanol, 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol

    • Effects: Irritates skin and disrupts hormone absorption

    • How To Avoid: Use DIY natural cleaning solutions like baking soda or vinegar for cleaning. Stick to gentle, non-foaming cleansers that are less likely to contain sulfates

    • Labeled As: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Lauryl Sulfate, Dodecyl Sodium Sulfate, SLS

In Your Makeup: Foundations, concealers, blushes, eyeshadows, mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, lip glosses, highlighters, setting sprays, primers

      • Effect: Disrupts hormone production and affects the reproductive system

      • How to Avoid: Choose “phthalate-free” makeup products

      • Labeled As: Diethylphthalate (DEP), Dibutylphthalate (DBP), Di(n-butyl)phthalate (DnBP), Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Diisodecylphthalate (DIDP), Diisononylphthalate (DINP), Dimethylphthalate (DMP), Benzylbutylphthalate (BBP)

    • Effect: considered safe for topical use, but when inhaled (in powdered form), it may pose a respiratory risk and is classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) when in nanoparticle form

    • How to Avoid: choose makeup that uses mineral-based sunscreens like zinc oxide, opt for organic or natural brands that do not use this ingredient in their formulas

    • Labeled As: Vitamin A1, All-trans retinol, Retinoid, Retin-A, Tretinoin, Retinaldehyde, Retinal, Retinoic Acid, Pro-retinol

    • Effect: allergic reactions, skin irritation, or sensitization in sensitive individuals. Certain synthetic dyes like FD&C Red No. 40 and FD&C Yellow No. 5 have been linked to potential hyperactivity in children and may cause reactions in people with asthma or sensitive skin

    • How to Avoid: To avoid these dyes, check product labels for specific color additives like FD&C and D&C dyes. Opt for natural or organic makeup brands that use plant-based pigments or mineral-based colors instead of synthetic dyes. Look for products labeled as "free from artificial colors" or "vegan" to avoid synthetic dyes

    • Found On Labels As: FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 6, FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Red No. 6, D&C Red No. 28, D&C Yellow No. 10, D&C Green No. 5, D&C Violet No. 2, FD&C Green No. 3, D&C Orange No. 5, D&C Yellow No. 8

    • Effect: Affects hormone production, disrupts reproductive system, Nervous system damage, skin irritation, developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity

    • How to Avoid: Look for “toluene-free” or “3-free” nail polishes

    • Labeled As: Methylbenzene,Toluol, Phenylmethane, Toluene (systematic name)

  • Effect: PEG compounds cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially when used in high concentrations. They’re contaminated with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane, both of which are potential carcinogens. PEG also compromises the skin's natural barrier by making it more permeable, allowing harmful chemicals to enter the body.

    How to Avoid: Look for products labeled "PEG-free" or "without polyethylene glycol". Choose products with natural emulsifiers or mineral-based formulations. Be cautious with creams, lotions, and shampoos that contain multiple PEG derivatives, such as PEG-8, PEG-40, or PEG-100.

    Labeled As: Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), PEG-8, PEG-40, PEG-100, PEG-4, PEG-150

  • Effect: Potent irritant, disrupts thyroid and hormone function. Causes cancer , respiratory issues, skin irritation, developmental issues

    How To Avoid: Look for "formaldehyde-free" products, use natural nail care, avoid methanol/formaldehyde

    Labeled As: Formaldehyde, Methanol, Methyl aldehyde

  • Effects: Linked to cancer and hormone disruption.

    How To Avoid: Choose products that are labeled as free from artificial preservatives and seek alternatives that use Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Rosemary Extract, or other natural preservatives that are safe for your skin.

    Labeled As: Butylated Hydroxyanisole, BHA, E320 (as a food additive), btylhydroxyanisole

Home Fragrance Products: Candles, air fresheners, room sprays, essential oils, diffusers, scented wax melts, incense, potpourri, reed diffusers, sachets

    • Effect: Mimic hormones, cause skin irritation, disrupt endocrine function

    • How to Avoid: Look for “fragrance-free” or “naturally scented” products

    • Labeled As: : Linalool, Limonene, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Eugenol, Coumarin, Geraniol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Isoeugenol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial), Methyl 2-Octynoate, Cinnamal, Anisyl Alcohol, Amyl Cinnamalv

    • Effect: Mimic estrogen, disrupt hormonal balance

    • How to Avoid: Opt for products with natural preservatives such as vitamin E, rosemary extract, or grapefruit seed extract.

    • Use DIY skincare with natural ingredients that don’t require synthetic preservatives

    • Labeled As: : Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Benzylparaben

    • Effect: May affect reproductive hormone regulation

    • How to Avoid: Opt for natural alternatives or consult with a dermatologist before use

    • Labeled As: Vitamin A1, Retinoid, Retin-A, Tretinoin, Retinaldehyde, Retinal, Retinoic Acid, Pro-retinol, Retinyl acetate, Retinyl palmitat, Isotretinoin, Adapalene, Alitretinoin

    • Effect: Affects hormone production, disrupts reproductive system, Nervous system damage, skin irritation, developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity

    • How to Avoid: Look for “toluene-free” or “3-free” nail polishes

    • Labeled As: Methylbenzene,Toluol, Phenylmethane, Toluene (systematic name)

In Your Food Packaging & Containers: Plastic containers, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, canned foods, plastic bottles, Tetra Paks, takeout containers, plastic utensils, food storage bags, microwavable food trays

  • Effects: Mimics estrogen, affects hormone receptorsBreast cancer, Alzheimer's disease

    How To Avoid: Choose glass or stainless steel, look for BPA-free labels, avoid canned foods, use parchment or wax paper, buy fresh produce, check food labels, avoid aluminum foil

    Labeled As: Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Aluminum Zirconium, Aluminum Chloride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Aluminum Sulfate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate

    Check out my heavy metals cheat sheet here for more info

  • Effects: Mimics estrogen, disrupts hormone systemsInfertility, obesity, diabetes, breast/prostate cancer

    How To Avoid: Opt for BPA-free products, glass packaging, bamboo, stainless steel, silicone,

    Labeled As: Bisphenol S (BPS), Bisphenol F (BPF), Bisphenol AF (BPAF) Bisphenol A, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol, Bisphenol-A, BPA-90, BPA-99 (used in some industrial formulations)

    • Effects: Disrupts thyroid hormone, mimics estrogen and androgen, hormonal imbalances, skin irritation, antibiotic resistance

    • How To Avoid: Use natural antibacterial ingredients like tea tree or eucalyptus oil, opt for soap and water over antibacterial soaps, select non-toxic cleaners like vinegar and baking soda, and check labels for triclosan-free or antibacterial-free.

    • Labeled As: Triclosan, 2,4,4'-Trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether, Irgasan DP 300, Microban, TCS, Triclosan-2

    • Effects: Irritates skin and disrupts hormone absorption

    • How To Avoid: Use DIY natural cleaning solutions like baking soda or vinegar for cleaning. Stick to gentle, non-foaming cleansers that are less likely to contain sulfates

    • Labeled As: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Lauryl Sulfate, Dodecyl Sodium Sulfate, SLS

  • Effects: Mimics estrogen, disrupts hormone balanceSkin irritation, potential links to thyroid issues, hormone disruption

    How To Avoid: Use mineral-based sunscreens, look for "octinoxate-free" products

    Labeled As: Octinoxate, Octyl methoxycinnamate